Newcastle United are one of multiple clubs who are keeping an eye on James Ward-Prowse, but there is a reason why he has not signed for an ‘elite’ team this summer.
Ward-Prowse looks set to leave Southampton following their relegation, with the South Coast side resigned to losing their captain.
He has been linked with a move to Newcastle, although he does not appear to be a major target for the Magpies. However, he is someone who manager Eddie Howe really likes.
Newcastle are in the market for another midfielder after Sandro Tonali’s arrival, and Ward-Prowse‘s name is one that keeps cropping up in the gossip columns. The Magpies seem to be watching closely, hoping they can grab a bargain from a club that will not be in the Premier League next season.
Whether or not that is possible remains to be seen, but there is a reason why the Premier League’s ‘elite’ have not made a move for the England international.
Elite clubs opt against signing James Ward-Prowse
According to the Daily Mail, as many as 10 clubs have enquired about signing Ward-Prowse this summer. However, the report adds that ‘elite clubs’ have been put off signing him do to his age.
Ward-Prowse is currently 28-years-old, and turns 29 on November 1st. Therefore, the top teams do not believe he is worth the £40million that Southampton want.
Do Newcastle fall into that ‘elite’ category? While we are in the Champions League, it is still too early to call ourselves an ‘elite club’. Therefore, you would like to think we are yet to fully turn our noses up at a player of Ward-Prowse’s calibre.
While he might not be a glamorous addition, he would be a great character to add to the squad. He is an ‘unbelievable‘ player with a free-kick ability that blows Kieran Trippier out of the water.
But it would all depend on the price. £40million is far too much for Newcastle to justify, but a figure of around half that could be tempting.
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